PCB appoint batting coach, possible squad changes for SA

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Tuesday that Shahid Aslam had been appointed as the permanent batting coach. Alongside the news, sources reported on possible squad additions for Pakistan’s upcoming tour of South Africa.

Shahid Aslam is likely to become the batting coach on recommendation of the new ODI coach Aaqib Javed, sources claimed. Aslam, who has previously been part of the team’s support staff, will be present for the upcoming Zimbabwe and South Africa tours. The PCB are also looking for a new spin bowling coach.

SQUAD CHANGES

Sources also revealed possible changes to the squad for the South Africa series. Fakhar Zaman may make a comeback according to sources. Zaman’s last outing in ODI’s saw him dismissed after only scoring one run, when Pakistan faced off against England on November 11, 2023. However, Zaman did score 126 runs against New Zealand, a week prior to that match. The Pakistan openers last T20I outing ended after he scored five runs, in a contest against Ireland in June of this year.

Zimbabwe announces squad for upcoming series against Pakistan 

Saim Ayub, who made his ODI debut against Australia this month, will be returning to the T20I squad, sources said. His last outing was against Ireland in June of this year in a match in which he scored 17 runs.

Sources stated that Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, and Shaheen Shah Afridi, will all be returning to the test format in December against South Africa. All three were dropped from the test side after losing the first match in the last series against England.

The selection team is reportedly looking to fill the squad with players who performed well in Australia, sources stated, adding that 18-member squads will be formed for both formats.

Pakistan’s series against South Africa kicks off on December 10 with the first T20I and will end on January 7 with the second test.

PCB name Aaqib Javed as interim white-ball coach